Financial Aid Counselor I

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor I to join the Office of Financial Aid. The role conducts need assessments, provides counseling on packaging, reviews applications for completeness, and maintains accurate documentation.

Responsibilities include document processing, need analysis, aid coordination, loan origination, outreach, and compliance/training. Requires a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with 0–6 months experience. Hourly range: $25.00–$30.00.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or combined experience/education is acceptable for the role.
• 0–6 months of relevant experience indicated by Minimum Experience.
• Knowledge of FAFSA, CSS PROFILE, and W-2s is referenced in the responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Document Processing: determine when documents were submitted and understand how documents are processed.
• Need Analysis and Verification: review FAFSA, CSS PROFILE, W-2s, process Tier 1 and Tier 2 files, review special circumstances.
• Aid Coordination: analyze cost of attendance, differentiate types of aid, add awards per manager directions.
• Loans: identify loan programs, originate Stafford and PLUS loans, troubleshoot disbursement issues, assist with SAP/R2T4.
• Outreach: participate on phone shifts and attend FAO events.
• Compliance and Training: use FSA Handbook and NASFAA to research regulations, assist audits, draft policies.

Skills

Financial aid knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Combined experience/education

Job description

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor I to join our team! The Assistant Director performs need assessments for students requesting financial aid. Provides counseling and assistance in matters pertaining to financial aid packaging. Conducts need analysis to determine student financial aid packaging options based on individual case circumstances. Reviews student applications for consistency and completeness, verifies accuracy of student and family reported information, and certifies applications. Maintains accurate and thorough file documentation.

Provides interpretation of financial aid policies and assists in problem-solving. The selected candidate will be expected to maintain currency on financial aid packages, state and federal regulations related to financial aid, and University policies and procedures.

• Document Processing
  • Determine when documents were submitted to the Financial Aid Office (FAO)
  • Understand how documents are received and processed

• Need Analysis and Verification
  • Understand information provided on FAFSA, CSS PROFILE federal income tax returns and W2s, and USC forms
  • Become proficient at processing both Tier 1 and Tier 2 files
  • Review Special Circumstances letters/information presented by families
  • Process Tier 1 Budget, Late, Housing and Computer appeals

• Aid Coordination
  • Analyze the cost of attendance and budget for a student
  • Differentiate between types of aid used to create a financial aid package
  • Add awards to a student's package as directed by a manager

• Loans
  • Identify the different loan programs on SIS
  • Originate Stafford and PLUS loans
  • Troubleshoot issues regarding disbursement of loan funds
  • Assist with SAP or R2T4 as directed by a manager

• Outreach
  • Participate on phone contact shifts
  • Attend FAO events as needed (both on and off campus)

• Compliance and Training
  • Use the FSA Handbook, Dear Colleague Letters, NASFAA resources, etc. to research federal regulations
  • Identify student and program eligibility issues
  • Assist with audits and self-assessments as needed
  • Draft policies and procedures for the Knowledgebase

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment toUSC's Unifying Values.

The hourly range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

#LI-AW1

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 0 - 6 months

Minimum Field of Expertise: Financial analysis and evaluation

Job ID: REQ20178518

Posted Date: 07/30/2026